ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has declared an emergency regarding cases related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Sources in the agency said that a meeting, headed by the director general at FIA headquarters, decided to investigate FATF-related cases on an emergency basis. The agency’s head reviewed legal procedure taken over these cases and progress in the investigations so far, they said.

According to sources, money laundering and terror financing cases are related to the FATF. These involve the bank accounts of proscribed organisations, bank transactions by these organisations, fundraising activities and the resources of fundraising and donations.

The director general directed the heads of the wings investigating these cases to complete their investigations and submit charges in court for trial, the sources added.

The meeting also discussed issues related to corrupt government officials and the anti-corruption wing and directives were issued to expose corrupt government officials.

Progress into the investigations of cases regarding corruption of such officials was also reviewed, the sources said, said the director general asked that these investigations be completed and charges submitted in court for trial.

They added that he ordered for strong charge-sheets to be made against suspects so they cannot be given the benefit of the doubt during trial.

He also asked for internal accountability in the FIA and made an effective mechanism for it, they said.

He directed agency officials and staff to refrain from intolerant and inhuman behaviour towards the public.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2019